As part of their career development exploration with Mrs. Regula, Cuyahoga Heights sophomores were invited to participate in ThinkFest at John Carroll University. Created in partnership with John Carroll University's entrepreneurship program and steered by Dr. Jeffrey Stamp, inventor, food scientist, professor, and entrepreneur, this lively, interactive program is designed to inspire high school students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset while learning to recognize, develop, and pitch business ideas.

Students were placed on teams with peers from Beachwood, St. Edward, and Cuyahoga Falls. Their challenge was to take an ordinary Pringles container and reimagine it as a fresh, marketable product.

Cuyahoga Heights students Alijah Cruz, Dom Blue, and Isaac Gray helped develop the winning concept, which Alijah initiated. His idea was a simple-release, illuminated emergency balloon equipped with tracking technology for search-and-rescue situations. Recognizing the potential danger of flare guns, particularly their risk of starting forest fires, Alijah envisioned a safer alternative to help locate people in emergency situations.

Each member of the winning team received a $25 Amazon gift card in recognition of their creativity and innovation.

The experience clearly made an impression on students. Jose Fernandez summed it up: “I wish we did this more than once a year.”